Federal programs can provide low-income women and their families with essential help in obtaining food and income support. The Federal Food Stamp Program helps low-income individuals purchase food. In 2005, nearly 12.5 million adults participated in the Food Stamp Program; of these, almost 8.5 million (68 percent) were women. Of these women, nearly 4 million (almost half) were in the 18–35 age group. Female-headed households with children make up nearly one-third of households that rely on food stamps, and represent nearly 60 percent of food stamp households with children (data not shown).

The Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also plays an important role in serving women and families by providing supplementary nutrition during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and while breastfeeding. Most WIC participants are infants and children (75 percent); however, the program also serves nearly 2 million pregnant women and mothers, representing 25 percent of WIC participants. During the years 1992–2005, the number of women participating in WIC increased by 60 percent, and it continues to rise.

> Vertical Bar Chart: Adult Recipients of Food Stamps, by Age and Sex, 2005

> Vertical Bar Chart: Women Participating in WIC, Selected Years, 1992-2005